John 21 - New Spirit-Filled Life Bible

21:1–14 The appearances of the risen Christ in ch. 20 took place in the vicinity of Jerusalem. But this one was in Galilee, where the disciples had returned to their secular occupation as fishermen. The miraculous catch of fish and breakfast with their Master convinced them of who He was, and yet left them too awed to spoil with words the wonder of His presence and actions.

21:15–19 After his threefold denial of Jesus, Peter needed special attention. In his reply to Jesus’ threefold question Do you love Me? Peter uses a less emphatic word, not daring to claim a complete devotion. In the third form of the question, Jesus uses the same word for love that Peter had used, inquiring if Peter even had the affection that he claimed. Peter can only appeal to the Lord’s divine knowledge as proof of his sincerity. The ultimate call for Peter to follow his Master epitomizes the Lord’s threefold commission for him to be a shepherd to the sheep.

21:20–23 The emphasis does not rest on the rather mysterious reference to the fate of the beloved disciple but on the individualization of the call to discipleship. The specifics may vary from one individual to another, but the demand for obedience is the same.